Jeonju, South Korea, Canada: Drone Soccer is not just a pastime—it’s becoming a full-fledged movement.
How do drones intersect with soccer? Put aside the controversy that surrounded Canadian soccer teams during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
During the Paris Olympics last year, coaches of Canada’s men’s and women’s soccer teams reportedly became so fixated on analyzing their opponents that they crossed ethical lines, even pressuring support staff to participate in intelligence-gathering activities.
Although spying is not unheard of in competitive sports, the Canadian teams drew attention after using a drone to observe an opponent’s practice sessions during the Olympics’ warm-up matches.
That chapter in Paris is now behind them. Canada and its sports programs are moving forward.
In the wake of that incident, a growing number of Canadians from all walks of life are eager to merge technology with soccer, aiming to position Canada as a global innovator and leader.
Their chosen path: Drone Soccer.
Today, enthusiasts are using drones to practice scoring goals in matches inspired by traditional soccer.
“Drone Soccer is more than a sport—it’s a movement. We are nurturing the next generation of engineers, innovators, and tech leaders by making STEM education interactive, engaging, and relevant,” says Rajan Chugh, President of Canadian Drone Soccer.
“Drone Soccer brings STEM to life! It’s where innovation meets athleticism in the sky. This sport blends robotics, gaming, aerospace, and AI, while teaching students essential STEM skills. Drone Soccer Canada is a high-energy, tech-driven sport designed to educate, inspire, and entertain,” adds Chugh.
Currently, Chugh is leading Canada’s first contingent to South Korea for the inaugural FIDA World Cup.
The Federation International Drone Soccer Association (FIDA) was founded in December 2022 with Sangheub Ro as President. Headquartered at the Drone Soccer Stadium in Jeonju, South Korea, FIDA promotes Drone Soccer through international exchanges, supporting the drone industry and fostering global cooperation.
Although Drone Soccer originated in South Korea—a fast-growing tech hub—it has quickly expanded worldwide. The United States and Mexico are already advancing rapidly in this sport.
Other FIDA member countries include Nigeria, Jamaica, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, China, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Vietnam, Canada, the USA, the UK, and Spain. Asian nations such as India, Singapore, China, and Japan have also embraced this technology-driven sport.
Sports, like life, constantly evolve. Technology is reshaping traditional games, and Drone Soccer is a prime example—a fusion of the gaming craze popular among younger generations with soccer, one of the world’s oldest team sports.
Each match lasts 30 minutes, divided into three 3-minute rounds separated by 5-minute breaks.
“We only launched earlier this year, but don’t be misled by the name—it’s not expensive. A decent drone costs around 500 Canadian dollars. As players improve, they can upgrade to advanced drones. Competitions feature four classes, starting with Class 20 and Class 40, catering to different skill levels and comfort zones,” explains Chugh.
On Sunday morning, the Canadian team was buzzing with excitement and curiosity as they prepared to board an Air Canada flight to Seoul. Ten members will represent Canada as the first-ever team to compete in the FIDA World Cup in Jeonju.
The Canadian squad includes Jannat Vaid, Ariana Juneja, Grace Juneja, Viraj Joneja, Priyanka Kaushal, Rajan Chugh, Kashif, Parminder Singh, and Devansh Punawala, with Mr. Bhatti overseeing technical maintenance.
Chugh emphasized that Drone Soccer is inclusive, allowing players of any gender or age to participate.
Manjesh, CEO of FIDA Canada, notes that the sport is rapidly gaining traction in the country’s 23 initial regions. “We’re taking it to schools and institutions to grow its reach,” adds Chugh.
Some team members previously represented Canada at an invitational tournament in Palm Springs, USA, in March, where Canada finished third behind the US and Mexico.
The inaugural FIDA World Cup Drone Soccer Championship in South Korea will feature 32 teams, including the host nation.
